South Australian police are investigating a second case of suspected serious criminal neglect following the death of a seven-year-old boy in February.
According to police, the “very sick” boy, whose name was Makai, was taken to hospital by his father on February 10. He died later that day.
The death was not initially deemed suspicious, however that changed following evidence obtained from various child protection agencies as part of a standard coronial investigation, as well as the opinion of a paediatric expert.
“(Investigators) formed the view that sufficient grounds existed to commence a criminal investigation for an offence of criminal neglect causing death,” Detective Superintendent Des Bray said on Monday afternoon.
The investigation is the second case of alleged criminal neglect against a child SA Police is looking into at the moment, following the death of six-year-old girl Charlie last month.
The two cases involve different families and are unrelated.
Premier Peter Malinauskas is expected to comment on the death and investigation later on Monday afternoon.
Source: 9News